The CEO's Contractual Wife (Olivia and Alexander) novel Chapter 327

Chapter 327

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Olivia

We stayed on the upper deck, watching the coastline slide by in the opposite direction now. The city lights grew brighter as we approached, the urban sprawl replacing the quieter stretches of beach we’d passed earlier.

Alexander’s fingers threaded through mine, our hands resting on the railing between us. Neither of us spoke, both lost in our own thoughts as reality crept closer with each passing mile.

The lights of Marina del Rey appeared on the horizon, dozens of boats bobbing gently in their slips. Our bubble was officially bursting.

“Wish we could stay out here all night,” I said quietly.

“Me too.” Alexander squeezed my hand. “But we’ve got work tomorrow. Real life and all that.”

“Real life is overrated.”

“Agreed.” He turned to face me, cupping my cheek. “But we’ll have more nights like this. I promise.”

The yacht slowed as we entered the marina, Captain Reynolds expertly maneuvering us toward our slip. I watched the familiar dock approach with mixed feelings.

Out here on the water, everything felt simple. Just two people enjoying each other’s company without the weight of expectations, family drama, or business complications. Back on land, we’d have to navigate all of that again.

The yacht bumped gently against the dock, and crew members appeared to secure the lines. Captain Reynolds emerged from the wheelhouse.

“Safe journey, Mr. Carter, Mrs. Carter. Hope you enjoyed the evening.”

“It was perfect,” I told him honestly. “Thank you.”

Alexander shook his hand. “Appreciate it, Captain. Always a smooth ride.”

We disembarked carefully, Alexander’s hand steadying me as I stepped onto the dock. My legs felt slightly unsteady after hours on the water, the solid ground feeling wrong after so much gentle rocking.

The walk to the parking lot was quiet, both of us subdued. Alexander’s hand found mine again, our fingers lacing together automatically.

His car sat where we’d left it, gleaming under the parking lot lights. He opened my door first, ever the gentleman, before circling to his side.

The engine purred to life, and classical music filled the cabin. Something soft and contemplative that matched our mood perfectly. Alexander pulled out of the marina, heading toward the highway.

I watched the city pass by through my window, processing everything that had happened today. The golf course, Harold’s revelation about knowing our secret, the yacht, the sunset, and the dancing. All of it felt surreal now that we were back in regular life.

“What are you thinking about?” Alexander asked, his voice breaking the comfortable silence.

“Your grandfather.” I turned to look at him. “The fact that he’s known about us this whole time.”

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Chapter 327

“Yeah.” Alexander’s jaw tightened slightly. “That was unexpected.”

“But also kind of a relief?” I said. “We don’t have to worry about him finding out anymore. He already knows, and he doesn care about the arrangement part. Just whether we stay together.”

“True.” Alexander merged onto the highway, the traffic surprisingly light for a Sunday evening. Takes some pressure

“Exactly.” I settled back in my seat. “Though it also means we still have Victoria to deal with.”

“Victoria.” He said her name like a curse. “Yeah, she’s not going away anytime soon.”

“What do you think she’ll do with that contract information?”

Alexander was quiet for a moment, his fingers drumming on the steering wheel. “Honestly? I don’t know. She’s vindictive enough to try using it against us, but smart enough to know it might backfire.”

“How would it backfire?”

“If she exposes our arrangement, she looks petty and desperate. Plus, Grandfather already knows, so there goes her leverage.” He glanced at me. “She’s got to be careful. One wrong move and she loses whatever credibility she has left with the family.”

I processed this as I watched the city lights blur past. “So we’re in this weird stalemate where everyone knows, but no one’s saying anything.”

“Pretty much.” Alexander’s hand found mine across the center console. “Which means we just keep doing what we’re doing. Living our lives, working our jobs, being married.”

“Being married,” I repeated, testing the words. “Real marriage now. Not the arrangement.”

“Right.” His thumb stroked across my knuckles. “How do you feel about that?”

I considered the question carefully. A month ago, I would’ve panicked at the idea that this could become real. Would’ve looked for the nearest exit. But now?

“Honestly? Good. Scared, but good.”

“Scared of what?”

“Of screwing it up. Of not being enough. Of waking up one day and realizing this was all too good to be true.” The words spilled out before I could stop them.

Alexander was quiet for several seconds, just holding my hand while he navigated traffic. Finally, he spoke. “You’re more than enough. Way more than I probably deserve.”

“Don’t say that.”

“It’s true.” He merged into the right lane, our exit approaching. “You’re brilliant at your job, beautiful, kind, patient with y family’s insanity. What more could I possibly want?”

My throat tightened with unexpected emotion. “You’re being sweet.”

“I’m being honest.” He took the exit, heading toward the hills where the estate waited. “This thing between us, whatever it is, it’s the most real thing I’ve had in years.”

I squeezed his hand, not trusting myself to speak. The car climbed the winding roads, passing gated mansions and perfectly manicured lawns.

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Chapter 327

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The gate to our estate appeared ahead, opening automatically as we approached. Alexander pulled through, the tires crunching on the gravel driveway.

Alfred must have been waiting because the front door opened before we’d even parked. He stood there in his usual formal attire, somehow still looking fresh despite the late hour.

“Good evening, Mr. Carter, Mrs. Carter. I trust you had a pleasant outing?”

“Very pleasant, thank you, Alfred.” Alexander handed him the car keys. “We’ll head straight up. Long day.”

“Of course, sir. Shall I bring anything up? Tea? Water?”

“We’re good,” I said, already feeling the exhaustion from the day catching up with me. “Thanks, though.”

We climbed the stairs together, Alexander’s hand on the small of my back. The house was quiet, the staff having retired for the evening. Just the soft hum of air conditioning and our footsteps on the floor.

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